Government and Politics, Bachelor of Arts

Overview

Whether you want to become a lawyer, a political correspondent, educator or civic leader, there’s no limit to what you can do with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Politics from St. John’s University.

Earning your Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and Politics at St. John’s will prepare you for these opportunities. Offered by St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the 120-credit program provides students with the analytical skills necessary to evaluate political issues and function effectively in political environments. Students also gain the writing and communications skills needed for success in any field.

Students majoring in government and politics are adept at navigating the political landscape and posses extensive knowledge in the various areas of government, through courses in:

Admission

Courses

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To earn the Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics, students complete 120 credits in core, major-sequence, and elective requirements. The major sequence and elective requirements are outlined below.

Major Sequence —36 Credits

GOV 1050

Research Methods for Government and Politics

3

GOV 1030

American Government

3

One Elective in each of the following areas:

International Relations

GOV

1610

International Relations

3

GOV

2640

Foreign Policy of the United States

3

GOV

2810

The Politics of War

3

GOV

3620

International Law

3

GOV

3630

Foreign Policy of Major Powers

3

GOV

3670

International Political Economy

3

Comparative Government

GOV

1700

Comparative Political Systems

3

GOV

2650

Government and Politics of Western Europe

3

GOV

2660

Government and Politics of Eastern Europe

3

GOV

2690

Government and Politics of Latin America

3

GOV

2730

Russia and CIS Republics

3

GOV

2750

The Politics of the Caribbean Sea

3

GOV

3680

Politics of Africa

3

GOV

3710

Governments and Politics of the Far East

3

GOV

3720

Governments and Politics of South andSoutheast Asia

3

GOV

3820

Politics of the Middle East

3

Political Theory

GOV

1250

Western Political Though I: Classical and Medieval

3

GOV

1265

Western Political Thought II: Early Modern

3

GOV

1270

Western Political Thought III: Recentand Contemporary

3

In addition, government and politics majors must complete ONE SENIOR SEMINAR + 15 elective hours in GOV courses. Students are also permitted a maximum of 6 hours in fieldwork courses and eligible seniors may choose six elective hours from 100-level courses.

Career Outcomes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for graduates with backgrounds in government and politics are expected to grow at a rapid rate, with an overall 21 percent increase in job opportunities by the year 2018.

Global Approach to Education

All students take advantage of St. John’s location in dynamic New York City. Our faculty and Career Center have strong ties to employers and other professional and educational resources throughout the New York area. Students make New York their classroom through innovative courses like Discover New York.

Students also benefit from St. John's focus on an international academic experience. The University offers extensive study abroad courses during the academic year as well as the winter and summer semesters. Students can live and learn at St. John's Rome, Italy, campus and Paris, France, location. Please visit Global Studies for more information about opportunities abroad.

Additional Information

Students majoring in Government and Politics at St. John's gain a solid foundation in political theory and its application in our society. Students also acquire an in-depth understanding of the role that history and social demographics play in shaping today's political processes.

Guiding and mentoring students are St. John's enormously gifted, internationally known faculty of scholar-teachers who care about each student's progress.

Students develop a strong academic and professional edge by joining any of St. John's more than 180 student clubs and organizations. Clubs and honor societies of particular interest to Government and Politics majors include these:

Government and Politics Society

Economics and Finance Society

Alpha Zappa Delta: International sociology honor society

Omicron Delta Epsilon: International honor society for economics

The Skull and Circle Honor Society and the Pi Sigma Alpa -- Government and Politics Honor Society annually select students from St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who combine scholarship, integrity and dedicated service to the St. John's community.

Every student at St. John's benefits from outstanding University-wide facilities and resources including high-tech classrooms, laboratories and our 1.7 million-volume University Library. Our new D’Angelo Center is a five-story, 127,000-square-foot University and Student Center with classrooms, lecture halls, a Starbucks Café and a full-service food court.